FBI Captures Ten Most Wanted Fugitive After Decade

Alejandro Castillo, shown in FBI wanted photographs released by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. (U.S. government image, public domain)

The FBI captured Alejandro Rosales Castillo on Jan. 16, 2026, ending a decade-long search tied to the 2016 murder of his coworker in Charlotte, North Carolina. Castillo had been on the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted Fugitives list for years, making his arrest a significant development in a case that had remained unresolved for the victim’s family.

Authorities said Castillo was taken into custody in Hidalgo, Mexico, following coordinated efforts between U.S. and Mexican law enforcement agencies. His arrest closed a chapter that began nearly ten years ago, when investigators said he fled the United States shortly after the killing.

Federal officials confirmed that Castillo is now being held in Mexico and is awaiting extradition proceedings. No timeline for his return to the United States has been publicly announced.

The 2016 Killing That Sparked the Manhunt

According to investigators, the case dates back to 2016, when Castillo’s coworker was found fatally shot in Charlotte. Authorities allege Castillo lured the woman to a location under false pretenses before killing her, though he has not been convicted and the allegations will ultimately be tested in court.

The victim’s death sent shockwaves through her workplace and local community. Family members have previously described the loss as devastating, saying the absence of answers compounded their grief over the years.

Police quickly identified Castillo as a suspect in the days following the killing. When he could not be located, investigators determined he had fled the country, setting off what would become an international search.

A Decade of Pursuit Across Borders

Castillo was added to the FBI’s Ten Most Wanted list as authorities escalated their efforts to track him down. The designation brought national attention to the case and highlighted the seriousness of the charges he faced.

Over the years, investigators followed tips and leads that crossed state and national boundaries. Officials have said the case required sustained cooperation between agencies, as well as coordination with international partners to monitor possible movements outside the United States.

Law enforcement officials have not publicly detailed what specific information led to Castillo’s capture in Mexico. They emphasized, however, that the arrest reflected years of persistence and collaboration rather than a single break in the case.

Arrest in Mexico and Extradition Process

Mexican authorities arrested Castillo in Hidalgo without incident, according to U.S. officials. The FBI confirmed that the apprehension was the result of joint efforts between the two countries, underscoring long-standing cross-border law enforcement relationships.

Castillo remains in custody as extradition proceedings move forward. Under international law, the process can take months, and officials cautioned that legal steps must be completed before he can face charges in the United States.

U.S. prosecutors have not yet released details about the specific charges that will be pursued once Castillo is extradited. Authorities said further updates will be provided as the case advances through the legal system.

What the Capture Means for Those Left Behind

For the victim’s family, Castillo’s arrest represents a long-awaited moment after years of uncertainty. While legal proceedings still lie ahead, authorities acknowledged that the capture may offer a measure of relief to those who have waited nearly a decade for accountability.

Law enforcement officials framed the arrest as a reminder that serious crimes can follow suspects across borders and over time. They noted that placement on the Ten Most Wanted list is reserved for cases where public safety and justice demands sustained attention.

As the case moves toward extradition and prosecution, officials emphasized that Castillo is presumed innocent until proven guilty. Even so, the end of the manhunt marks a significant step toward resolving a case that has weighed heavily on a family and a community for nearly ten years.

References: WRAL: Man on FBI’s Most Wanted for Charlotte Woman’s 2016 Murder Caught in Mexico | KOMO News: FBI Captures Top Ten Most Wanted Fugitive in Mexico Years After Former Co-worker’s Murder | People: FBI Captures Alejandro Rosales Castillo 10 Years After Alleged Crimes